You’ve Been Using Escalators Wrong

After discovering this news, I’m like 95% sure that my entire world is shattered. Get ready because I’m about to shatter yours, too.

You know how you’re supposed to stand on the right and walk on the left when you’re on an escalator? Apparently that’s completely wrong, according to the head of DC’s Metro system. In an interview with DC’s NBC station (NBC 4), Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld said that there IS a correct way to use an escalator and it involves just standing there.

Wiedefeld goes on to say that escalators are “very sensitive pieces of equipment,” which makes me wonder if he’s grown a little too attached to escalators in general.

If you’re wondering where you should be standing, major escalator manufacturer OTIS says that right in the middle of the step is the sweet spot.

[…] You’ve Been Using Escalators Wrong. – I almost never stand on an escalator. I’m always rushing to a meeting or to catch my next plane. It annoys the heck out of me when people just stand on the left. And when you say “excuse me” as the polite way of saying “get the hell out of my way” so many Americans just look at you give attitude like you called their baby ugly or something. […]

Or you can just take them out and make lazy people walk up/down the stairs. Apparently, if you take the stairs for 10 minutes a day it reduces your chance of heart disease by 50% … Sounds like a great way to save some money on healthcare.

You should never walk down or up escalator steps. Standing is the right way to ride. Not only are they sensitive machines, they are also very dangerous. I’ve seen many foot and face injuries from escalator falls. Some amputations too!!! Elderly and children are the most vulnerable but I’ve seen even the in between ages too. It’s amazing how coats get sucked in and the injury results because the person can’t get out of the coat. Sometimes a dangling coat belt will do it to. All the safety features in the new escalators can still be a problem as in yes they will stop but all it does is lessen the resulting injury. Also, remember that many escalators out there are older installs and don’t have all the available safety features and under the building codes they don’t have to have them as they only need to comply with code from the date of install.

I almost never stand on an escalator. I’m always rushing to a meeting or to catch my next plane.

It annoys the heck out of me when people just stand on the left. And when you say “excuse me” as the polite way of saying “get the hell out of my way” so many Americans just look at you give attitude like you called their baby ugly or something.